1. Social Consequences of the American Revolution Women, Africans, Religious Institutions, Society in general

2. Who should rule at home? After the Revolution’s euphoria subsided, questions surfaced about social status, class- ruling and otherwise, land, suffrage….. – The elite preferred upper class rule. – The non-elite felt their efforts in the Revolution warranted a more level playing field for suffrage, land ownership, and social mobility.

3. Equity, post-Revolution Lower classes saw themselves as equal to their wealthy counterparts…. Not in material goods but in political standing- their rights – Participation in politics increased – Lower classes found a voice in new state legislatures- popularly elected – Property requirements to vote continued to tumble away especially in the backcountry – But still no purely UNIVERSIAL suffrage! – Land was perceived as infinite as royal prohibitions now were negated (e.g. Proclamation of 1763/Quebec Act 1774)

4. African slavery After Revolution, all states (except GA) had ended slave importation “Liberty is sweet.” – G. Washington – British policy of freeing slaves/indentured servants – 11/13 states eventually allowed slaves to serve the Continental Army (SC/GA refused) 5,000/300,000 – integrated mostly Emigrated to Canada/British West Indies – Most northern states emancipated/outlawed slavery during or just after the war

5. Southern Struggle with Slavery and Liberty Jefferson- Notes on the State of Virginia – Noted the paradox of the situation – Economics trumped morality – Manumission Laws- individual acts to free slaves such as wills…. 10,000 were free in this manner Freeing from south: – Runaways- numbered around 55,000 – Began long, long debate about southern property rights verses freedom and liberty of slaves

6. Women No political, economic, educational, non domestic rights – Children, property, divorces…. No power Exceptions: Molly Pitcher, Deborah Sampson – Judith Sargent Murray “On the Equality of the Sexes” – Abigail Adams- Famous letter to Husband J. Adams “ Remember the Ladies… all men would be tyrants if they could.” – Although little changed fundamentally, the seeds of reform were planted for both women and other disenfranchised ( people with no political power) groups

7. Religious Institutions Religious toleration morphed into religious freedom Anglican Church changed to Episcopalian Established churches ended except in VA Virginia STATUE OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM – “No man can be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever” – Matter of conscience – Pluralistic and voluntary rather than monolithic and state supported

8. The Evolving American Culture July 4 most important day of national calendar American Destiny/Exceptionalism – Not rooted in any ancient past – Focused on present and future – Eclectic demographic – “City on a Hill” seemed more a reality that ever before… beyond religious mandate– political as well – The American Revolution to many Americans had just begun…..